24 Jan

The simple steps you can take to boost your smile, as survey reveals a quarter of us hide our smiles in photos

shutterstock_750111964As a survey reveals that a quarter of us hide our smiles from the camera, here are some simple steps you can take to make your smile look more attractive.
A recent Bupa survey suggested that 25 percent of people don’t feel comfortable posing for photos. Dental problems are common, but there are things you can do to try and boost your oral health and improve the aesthetic appeal of your smile at the same time. The most important thing to master is cleaning your teeth. This may sound obvious, but your oral hygiene regime is your best weapon against dental disease, staining and bad breath. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and follow this with inter-dental cleaning or flossing. Choosing an electric toothbrush can help to remove plaque more effectively and polish the teeth to give them a healthy glow.
Once you’ve got your brushing technique sorted, think about when you last visited your dentist. Seeing a dentist every 6-9 months can help to lower the risk of decay and gum disease and keep your teeth looking clean and radiant. If you’re prone to dental issues or your teeth are slightly discoloured, seeing a hygienist can also help.
Your diet can also play an important role. As well as affecting your oral health, the foods you eat and drinks you choose can also impact the look of your teeth. Avoid tea, coffee, cola, soy sauce, dark berries and richly coloured sauces and soups to avoid discolouration.